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Rick Hansen Foundation launches global accessibility map

Twenty-five years ago, inspired by the dream of finding a cure after spinal cord injury and creating a more accessible and inclusive world, Rick Hansen set out on his Man In Motion World Tour — forever changing how the world views the potential of people with disabilities.

Twenty-five years ago, inspired by the dream of finding a cure after spinal cord injury and creating a more accessible and inclusive world, Rick Hansen set out on his Man In Motion World Tour — forever changing how the world views the potential of people with disabilities.

Today, the Rick Hansen Foundation moved one step closer to realizing this dream through the launch of the Rick Hansen Global Accessibility Map — an easy-to-use online ratings tool that offers the opportunity to submit and obtain reviews from a mobility, hearing and sight perspective, on accessibility of buildings and public services in communities around the world.

“While progress has been made, accessibility for persons with disabilities remains a barrier in communities across B.C., Canada and around the world.  We all have it in us to become powerful influencers of change, and I invite Canadians to participate in the first phase of this new initiative by submitting reviews of accessibility in their own communities,” Hansen says.  “Whether considering where to attend university, apply for a job, or simply go for dinner, people with disabilities, as well as their families, want to know what can be easily accessed and the Global Accessibility Map is designed to meet this need.”

As part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and quality of life for all people — including people with disabilities, seniors, parents with strollers or caregivers with mobility aids — the Global Accessibility Map is similar in concept to consumer reviews commonly found on travel websites, but with a focus on accessibility criteria.

The online tool is available at www.rickhansenglobalaccessibilitymap.com, where visitors are invited to create an account, and begin rating venues from a mobility, hearing, or sight perspective.

Ratings are based on accessibility criteria provided within the tool. In this first phase, the web-based tool is accessed by desktop, iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry Torch, and devices using Android 2.2 or above on the Opera Mobile browser. The long-term goal of the Global Accessibility Map includes the development of a professional ratings tool as well as ongoing enhanced functionality that further meets the needs of all consumers.

“The information generated by the consumer tool has the potential to create tangible, positive change in the lives of many people across Canada, and around the world. It will empower people to make informed decisions about accessible places to eat, work and play —while creating greater awareness about the economic power of people with disabilities. When accessible enterprises have more clients coming through their doors, it creates incentive,” said Daryl Rock, volunteer chair of the Rick Hansen Global Accessibility Map Steering Committee.

The launch of the Rick Hansen Global Accessibility Map was held at the newly revitalized B.C. Place Stadium, which showcased accessibility upgrades as part of its complete renovation.  Some noteworthy improvements include accessible seating areas throughout the stadium, thereby providing accessible seating at every price point within the stadium. In addition, airlocks that were previously problematic for wheelchair users have been removed, allowing accessible entry from any gate in the building; washrooms have been upgraded to include accessible facilities in each quadrant, including accessible family washrooms; and all suites now have the ability to accommodate accessible seating.

In 1987, following the Man In Motion World Tour (MIMWT), Rick established the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) to continue his quest for an accessible and inclusive society and a cure for spinal cord injury (SCI). Under Rick’s leadership, RHF functions as a social innovator — finding collaborative solutions to challenges in the community and the resources necessary to implement those solutions. RHF has been successful in leveraging the original $26M raised during the MIMWT to more than $245M in support of people, programs and research in pursuit of a healthier and more inclusive world. As part of the 25th Anniversary campaign, the Rick Hansen Foundation has launched a national public fundraising campaign to support ongoing programs and initiatives.

For ways to get involved, or to make a donation, please visit www.rickhansen.com.